Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-6-2020

TUESDAY 6th October, 2020

' No.106144

Telecoms sector liberalised SEE STORY ON PAGE 4 ►

Success squatters still occupying lands

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James Singh reinstated as head of CANU

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The MV Malali chugs on as passengers enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the blissful scenery in the Essequibo River (Adrian Narine photo)

Rigid enforcement

–– penalties for breach of COVID-19 measures at airports –– facilities equipped and ready for reopening, says Field

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Success squatters still occupying lands

–– CH&PA boss says authority still trying to ‘help out’

By Vishani Ragobeer SCORES of squatters occupying the GuySuCo lands on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) have not moved despite an ultimatum which states that they should vacate the lands by Monday.

On Sunday, Minister of Housing and Water Colin Croal told the Guyana Chronicle that the ministry in tandem with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) had provided assistance to the squatters, so that they could vacate the area.

He said stakeholders would make available a truck to carry the squatters’ belongings, while a temporary bridge would be constructed, connecting the squatting area to the Success Railway Embankment.

Squatters have been occupying these lands that belong to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) at Vryheid’s Lust, Success, and Chateau Margot, for some months now.

On Monday morning however, a group of squatters met with the minister and

informed him of their plight.

Kishan Brijmohan, a squatter and father of two, related that they all told the minister that regardless of whether the assistance of the truck and bridge is given, the squatters have nowhere to go.

Later that day, officials of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) went to the Success squatting area attempting to meet with each squatter and inspect the structures they built for themselves and their families.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the squatting area, the officials had divided themselves into two teams and were meeting squatters living in the more than 100 structures they erected, across a number of GuySuCo’s fields.

HELPING OUT “It was just a part of our ongoing process of helping them out,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves, said in an invited comment. He explained that those officials were present at the Success lands to gather data on the persons squatting in the area in an attempt to be “accom-

Officials of the CH&PA addressing the large group of Success squatters

modating.”

It was unclear whether this meant that additional priority would be given to these individuals when the distribution of new house lots begins over the next few weeks, as the CEO did not comment further.

Previously, however, he pointed out that 703 persons -- squatters and persons interested in getting their own homes -- came seeking house lots at a recently held outreach at the Chateau Margot Primary School, which was initially geared towards assisting the ECD squatters.

Officials of the CH&PA meeting with an elderly woman who erected a small structure on the Success lands belonging to GuySuCo

Following the first two days of that outreach, Greaves told this newspaper that priority will be given to the persons who applied before -- regardless of whether they were squatting on the Success lands or not.

Though cognisant of the plight of these squatters, Minister Croal stressed that these individuals have to follow the established process of applying for house lots, that is, through an application to the CH&PA. But, he also assured, “I’ll work along with them and I’ll try to see how I can assist them as a priority with the land-allocation process.”

NO SALE OF LANDS While at the area, this newspaper was made aware of claims purporting that other squatters were selling plots of land on the squatting area to newcomers.

Several residents, however, sought to clarify that lands were not being sold for other persons to squat on. Instead,

they related that if another squatter clears a portion of land and someone asks to occupy that land, it is expected that the individual would be compensated for their labour used to clear the plot of land.

“Somebody might clear a piece of land for themself and then they might continue clearly[sic] the land and you find somebody would have come and say that they wanted to go on that land that done clear instead of going to clear a next piece,” one squatter, Judy (only name given) explained.

Judy has been squatting in this area for seven months now. She recalls moving there one week after the Regional and General Elections, around the same time the COVID-19 pandemic was taking shape in Guyana.

Other residents chimed in, agreeing that compensation for the arduous labour is a fair deal. Brijmohan claimed, “Everything here is legit.”

Rigid Enforcement

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

–– penalties for breaches to COVID-19 measures at airports –– facilities equipped and ready for reopening, says Field

–– airlines ‘informally’ signal intentions to return; still to apply for recommencement of operations

By Navendra Seoraj AS cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise globally and locally, safeguarding the health of Guyanese through the enforcement of COVID-19 control measures and penalties will be a top priority for authorities, as they move to reopen airports after October 12, 2020.

The emergency measures were made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement –B, March 16, 2020.

According to health authorities, the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No. 8) will expire on October 31, 2020, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

All stakeholders who flout those measures will be held accountable and even be penalised for their actions, said Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

“We will be enforcing it [the measures] rigidly, because we do not intend to have aviation tarnish the health of individuals… so we will be playing our part and we expect aircraft operators, airports, aircraft handlers and travellers to play their part in ensuring measures are strictly adhered to,” said Field.

Speaking about the role of airlines, the director-general said carriers will have to ensure that passengers adhere to measures which include wearing a mask, social

distancing and sanitising.

Also, companies would have to ensure that their aircraft are sanitised between flights, and that all regulations which have been gazetted are adhered to.

“All of this is being done so we could not just have a reopening of the airports, but a successful reopening… we do not just want to be opening the doors wide without strict measures and penalties… yes, there are penalties for non-adherence and non-compliance, and they will be rigidly enforced,” said Field.

Guyana’s two international airports, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Eugene F. Correia International Airport have been closed to incoming commercial, international flights since midnight on March 18, after Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case on March 11.

The airports were initially scheduled to close for a two-week period; however, as COVID-19 cases in the country increased, the closures continued to be extended.

When asked what led to the recent decision to reopen the airports, Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips had said the ‘demand’ for reopening the airports was what prompted discussions related to this topic.

Field confirmed that all protocols for the reopening have been finalised, and it was decided that passengers would not be allowed to travel to Guyana unless they have a negative COVID-19 result from a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.

Ideally, the test will have to be done within 72 hours, but once it is slightly over that time, persons will have to be tested upon arrival into

GCAA Director-General, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field

Guyana.

TESTED AGAIN According to Field, passengers who produce test results which are between four and seven days old, will be tested on arrival at either of the two airports.

In talking about the procedure, he said: “Should they [passengers] prove negative, they can proceed to their homes with no isolation and if they test positive, they will be subjected to 14 days of quarantine.”

This and other measures will be applicable to both regional and international passengers. In terms of physical preparedness, Field said both airports are equipped and ready for the reopening.

Authorities recently conducted a “walkthrough” at the airports and observed that there are adequate sanitisation materials, social-distancing markings and measures to keep employees of those facilities protected at all times.

With preparations in place and established measures, it is now left for airlines to apply to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for approval to re-

commence operations.

Field said American Airlines, Copa Airlines and Caribbean Airlines have all signalled informally their intention to recommence operations, but they have not formally applied.

“When they do [formally apply], the GCAA will then have to review and assess

their requests as to frequency and time of operations and then dictate what times they will be able to operate,” said the director-general.

It was reported in August that the Government of Guyana brought home over 2,000 Guyanese, including students, who were left stranded overseas as a result of the closure of airports, in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.

There have since been flights from New York, Miami, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Canada, St. Maarten, Jamaica, Grenada and Curaçao.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 34.7 million cases of COVID-19 globally, and while 24.1 million persons have recovered, 1.3 million persons have died.

The WHO has defined COVID-19 as an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experi-

ence mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

The WHO had said that 81 per cent of the persons who contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, while 14 per cent will have severe ones, and five per cent will need intensive care.

In Guyana, health authorities have so far tested 15,078 persons, with 11,552 proving negative, and 3,188 positive.

While 1,972 persons have recovered from this disease, 90 persons have died and there are 1,107 active cases which include 137 persons in institutional isolation, 975 in home isolation, and 14 in the COVID-19 ICU. In view of these numbers, persons are being encouraged to take extra precautions because there is no approved cure or specific treatment for the disease. Guyanese were also reminded to observe the protocols established in the COVID-19 emergency measures.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Telecoms sector liberalised GOVERNMENT has issued Commencement Orders fully bringing into force the Telecommunications Act 2016 (the “Act”) and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016, Prime Minister, Mark Phillips announced last night.

The orders, which occurred within two months of the government assuming office, the Prime Minister said are historic as they align Guyana’s telecommunications regime to those found in other countries the world over, including most Caribbean countries.

It in effect has ended a 30-year anti-competitive telecommunications monopoly that has left Guyanese weary, frustrated and lagging behind in the telecommunications arena.

“It is anticipated that Guyanese will feel an immediate positive impact from the implementation of these legislation, which create a modern and competitive environment for telecommunications, and which will immediately result in greater choices, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers, while at the same time ensuring that all operators continue to enjoy all benefits conferred under the old legislative regime. This decisive step is consistent with our Government’s vision of furthering national and regional social and economic development.

The legislation specifically addresses the expansion of telecommunications networks and services into unserved and underserved areas through the institution of a new universal access/universal services programme,” the Prime Minister said.

He explained that the legislation creates a clear, harmonised framework and a level playing field for

the sector that is currently lacking, and which are characterised by transparency and non-discrimination in the issuance and monitoring of licences and authorisations to use the spectrum, seamless interconnection and access between and among telecommunications networks and services, and price regulation where required to ensure competition and at the same time guarantees equal treatment of stakeholders, to the ultimate benefit and protection of consumers.

The Telecommunications Act 2016 was first laid by the PPP/C Government in the ninth Parliament in August 2011, and laid again in the 10th Parliament in 2012, after extensive consultations with both the public and operators.

During the life of both Parliaments, the Act enjoyed commendable bipartisan support. It spent considerable time before a select committee, chaired

by Carl Greenidge, and included Former Prime Minister Samuels Hinds, and then Minister Mohamed, Irfaan Ali, who is now President.

The Act was finalised before the 2015 elections and was enacted by the Coalition Government in 2016 by Minister Catherine Hughes, again with bipartisan support.

“It must be emphasised that these legislation straddled administrations, and were the subject of extensive negotiations with stakeholders which lasted nearly a decade.

“Although the benefits of the Act were well known to the APNU+AFC Coalition, for some inexplicable reason, in 2018, and again in 2019,

APNU+AFC only brought a few sections of the Act into force, frustrating the intent and objective of the Act by denying Guyanese the benefits flowing therefrom.

“No doubt, the effects of liberalisation will be felt countrywide at a time when enhanced, universal and competitive access to telecommunications is pivotal to Guyana’s developmental trajectory. In face of the COVID-19 crisis, it assumes even greater significance,” Prime Minister Philips said.

The Government, he said remains ready and willing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every Guyanese has affordable access to quality and modern services which they need as well as to ensure that the existing operators suffer no disadvantage whatsoever as they continue business in the sector.

“I take this opportunity to thank all those involved, who were able to quickly simplify and deliver the complex task of liberalisation in the short time assigned,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips

Cop shot in buttocks trying to disarm gunman

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020 ― 05:00hrs - 06:30hrs

A POLICE constable was shot in the buttocks after attempting to seize a firearm from a resident of Meadow Brook Gardens during a confrontation in Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, on Monday evening.

The suspect who discharged five rounds is known to police and was arrested.

The injured cop, Constable Ramsingh, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and is receiving medical attention. His condition is listed as stable.

According to reports, around 18:40hrs, Constable Ramsingh who is stationed at the Ruimveldt Police Station and his colleague were on motorcycle patrol in the Guyhoc area when they heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot behind them.

Upon closer examination, the policemen saw two

men, one of whom was armed with a hand- gun, and another, arguing.

The policemen immediately turned around their motorcycles and Constable Ramsingh came off his, approached the man with the handgun and attempted to seize it when a scuffle ensued and in the process, the 27-year-old perpetrator fired several shots at the cop.

One of the shots hit the constable and with the assistance of his colleague they managed to relieve the suspect of the firearm and arrested him.

The firearm recovered from the suspect is a .32 Taurus pistol containing a magazine with four live matching rounds and a spent shell in the breech.

The other male with whom the suspect was arguing made good his escape from the scene; an investigation is in progress.

Rodrigues-Birkett accredited Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN FORMER Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett was on Monday virtually accredited as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN). Rodrigues-Birkett will also take up the chair of The Group of 77 (G77) and China.

Rodrigues-Birkett has served as Director of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva since 2017. Before that, she was FAO’s Special Coordinator of Parliamentary Alliances from 2015 to 2017.

Rodrigues-Birkett also served as Amerindian Affairs Minister from 2001 to 2008.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, with distinction, from the University of Guyana, and a certificate in business administration from the University of Regina in Canada.

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

369 cases listed for October criminal assizes

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–– jury trials to resume under strict guidelines

UNDER strict COVID-19 health guidelines, the October session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes opens today at the High Court in Georgetown, and over 300 cases are listed for trial.

THE Supreme Court of Judicature has suspended the ceremonial opening of the Assizes given the pandemic.

Further, in an effort to balance public health and safety imperatives with the need for continuing access to justice and openness, practice direction protocols have been put in place for the smooth and safe resumption of criminal jury trials.

This practice direction shall operate together with the Constitution and other laws, the COVID-19 Emergency Measures of the Ministry of Health and the relevant practice directions issued by the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

The objective of this practice direction is to preserve the right of the accused to a fair trial while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

It will also ensure that jury trials and court practices are designed to minimise exposure to infection of judges, jurors, court staff, the accused, witnesses, attorneys, members of the media and the public.

REMOTE SELECTION The process of selection of the panel of potential jurors may be conducted remotely while cameras shall be appropriately positioned to allow the judge to have sight of each card pulled from the lot.

This process will be video-recorded and noted by the judge in his or her minute book, with the Court Registrar supervising the Marshal and other staff at the location where the cards are being pulled, also making a written record on site.

It is compulsory that every person entering the precincts of the court shall have their temperature taken by way of a hand-held thermometer to ensure that no one with a fever or an elevated temperature is admitted.

The test will be administered by a duly designated

FLASHBACK: Justice Brassington Reynolds inspecting the Guard of Honour during April 2019 Assizes opening ceremony.

public health official, Marshal or Court Registrar. Also social distancing shall be practised.

OPTIONAL ATTENDANCE Additionally, attendance of the prosecution and defence is optional for all sittings. However, if more than one counsel represents either side, only two counsels for either side may be permitted to attend court in person, sitting 6 feet apart. Other counsel may join the proceedings by audio/visual link.

Further, all local witnesses may be required to attend court for the purposes of giving their evidence at the trial or they may testify by way of audio/visual link. Overseas witnesses shall have their evidence taken by way of audio/video link subject to the directions of the judge.

During hearings, the Court will recess every 60 minutes to allow participants to move around, while still social distancing and for the courtroom to be ventilated.

At the end of each hearing the courtroom will be properly sanitised.

Where the trial courtroom cannot accommodate members of the public with appropriate social distancing, they may view the proceedings remotely, but are prohibited from recording. Members of the media may be invited to join the trials remotely.

176 RAPE CASES Justice Navindra Singh, Justice Brassington Reynolds and Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry are expected to deal with a list of 369 cases at the October criminal assizes.

The list includes 98 cases for murder, 14 for manslaughter, 176 rape related cases and other cases such as abduction, wounding, robbery under arms, narcotics and stealing a child.

Listed for trial is Muslim scholar, Nezaam Ali, who is currently serving a 45-year sentence for raping a nineyear-old boy. Ali will go on trial for eight additional counts of sexually abusing eight boys. He is facing multiple indictments for crimes allegedly committed between 2011 and 2012, including sexual activity with a child under 16 years and sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust.

Another well-known case is that of former Bishops’ High School teacher, Coen Jackson, who is set to go on trial for engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16, while being in a position of trust. He is currently out on bail.

Meanwhile, for the capital offence of murder, Brenda Ferreira, will go on trial for the 2018 murder of her 3-year-old son. The toddler was found in a bloodied state

on a bed in the family’s wooden ‘shack’ at their Foulis, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home. He had several stab wounds about his body.

Also, businessman Robert Benn will go on trial for the murder of 24-year-old Colin Perreira and the attempted murder of his girlfriend, Gail-

Ann Chachon.

Four men are also set to go on trial for the murder of Foulis, East Coast Demerara businessman, Rajendra Singh.

Mark Lowchee called Mark Lee is also expected to face trial for the September 21, 2003 murder of Collis DeAbreu at Fifth and Light Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown.

Also, there is the case of Regan Rodrigues, called ‘Grey Boy,’ who is charged with the murder of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing. The bullet-riddled body of Crum-Ewing was found at Third Avenue, Diamond New Scheme, EBD, on March 10, 2015. The 40-year-old was shot twice to the temple, once to the back of the head and twice to the stomach.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Precipitators of Tragic Incidents THE headline in various ways citing “Teen dies after being struck to head by father” dominated Guyana’s media a while back.

Previous to that a young woman was charged and remanded for stabbing her younger brother to death, shortly after wounding her mother.

One woman was reported to have stabbed herself during an altercation with her abusive husband.

One teenager was set ablaze by his intoxicated father.

A few weeks ago, a teenage boy in a hinterland community chopped his brother-in-law, his sister and a baby nephew to death and wounded several other family members, Incidents of murder/suicide, especially after years of spousal abuse, dominate headlines all across the world. There is seemingly

no end in sight to these tragic occurrences, which are resultant upon emotional reactions to daily stresses, or lack of control as a result of indulgence of illegal drugs or alcohol.

It is unlikely that these incidents occur as oneoff episodes; but rather an isolated event may trigger a violent fracas generated from cumulative stresses combining many factors.

It is hardly likely that, in the normal course of things a sister or father may want to kill a brother or a son. It takes great angst for a woman to drum up the courage to stab her own self.

According to news reports a while back, an argument between a father and son escalated to such an acrimonious level that 18-year-old Azeez Khan of Lot 8 Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was struck to the head by

his father with a piece of wood. He died while receiving medical attention.

Reportedly, Azeez and his father, 40-year-old Omar Khan of the same address, were arguing over Azeez’s remonstrance to his sister because he objected to what the former considered inappropriate attire worn by a female member of his family.

Apparently, Omar objected to Azeez remonstrating with his daughter and this ensued in a heated confrontation between father and son, at the height of which Omar is reported to have picked up a piece of wood with which he lashed Azeez to his head, felling him. The young man subsequently succumbed to that one blow.

This one tragic occurrence has left a sister and daughter mourning a brother and a father because, in effect, she has lost both.

Imagine the guilt she would be burdened with all her life because most likely she would blame herself for the melee that precipitated such a tragic eventuality.

The violent episodes that have led to murder have always devastated lives across the spectrum of relationships, yet these occurrences seem to be escalating in societies across the globe.

When passions have cooled and the consequences of violent reactions to situations impact on the consciousness of perpetrators, the reality of the suffering they have caused to loved ones, making them also victims, may be a harsher punishment than whatever punitive measures the law may impose on them.

Oftentimes these disturbances that eventuate into murderous melees are caused by impaired senses

due to over-the-limit consumption of alcohol, or usage of illicit and addictive drugs; or even as a consequence of uncontrollable anger due to a multiplicity of personal and societal stressors.

Life in the olden days was much harder than what obtains today, with housewives having access to no labour-saving devices, children having no gizmos and gadgets, and fathers having no electrical or electronic appliances to make life an easy proposition; yet, the reactions to provocation were hardly ever violent, because, especially in rural communities, everyone looked out for his neighbour and situations were never allowed to escalate to unmanageable proportions because the entire neighbourhood would intervene and bring an end to the fracas almost immediately.

Sadly, today, Guyanese

once known for their caring and sharing within communities, have seemingly become inhuman to the point of enjoying the spectacle of violent confrontations between protagonists, filming rather than parting fights between children, and even creating and propagating the friction that eventuate in tragic outcomes.

Gone are the days when Guyanese looked out for each other and the children of our communities: the recent murders of the Henry cousins and, apparently in retaliatory reaction, young Haresh Singh – sole bread-winner of his siblings and his grandmother.

Unless and until we regain that neighbourly love that once made the Guyanese people our brothers and sisters’ keepers, there will continue to be retrogression in our society’s moral fabric.

GHK Lall misinformed about gas-flaring, Payara licence Dear editor,

I WISH to share my perspective on the recent signing of the licence for the Payara field offshore development in Guyana and the recent ill-informed utterances by self-proclaimed oil-and- gas expert GHK Lall as published in the October 04 edition of Stabroek News under the headline, “There are big holes in this Payara deal.”

Editor, I find the noise emanating from Mr. Lall very

distasteful, which lacks facts and the technical expertise to validate his points as it relates to the sustainable harvesting of Guyana’s oil and gas. But yet he chose to comment on a topic about which he has no technical knowledge; maybe it was by design to bring attention to himself, albeit misinformation and irresponsible on his behalf. But this has become a trait of Mr. Lall to spread misinformation.

We are all fully aware of the effects of gas-flaring; it must be noted that it is one of

the most challenging energy and environmental problems facing the world today. As such, it was recognised by the current Government of Guyana and measures were included in the recent Payara licence but were deliberately ignored by Mr. Lall in his diatribe against the government.

But in the interest of our readers and other interested members of the public, I wish to commend the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Department of Energy for

their foresight in insisting that routine flaring is strictly prohibited without approval of the EPA. This means that flaring is allowed under specific operational emergencies.

I believe the Government of Guyana was explicit that flaring to maintain oil production will not be permitted and as such, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will pay the government for the cost of gas wasted during flaring and will also be subject to

fines under the EPA related to emissions from flaring.

Further, the EPA is expected to establish a framework for a price on carbon to conform with international standards.

To have these safeguards included within the Payara licence is indeed in keeping with internationally acceptable compliance standards.

Therefore, I, amongst other civic-minded Guyanese would like to debunk the false narrative being peddled by Mr. Lall and other so-called oil-and-gas

experts who are simply seeking attention. However, if Mr. Lall is seeking to be the hallmark of transparency and accountability, he may choose to respond to allegations of the over $4 billion overdraft at the Guyana Gold Board, for which he was the chairman.

Sincerely, Erica Smith

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

A party celebrating moral convolution

Dear editor,

LAST Monday in New York, a former Wall Street trader was sentenced to over five years in prison after admitting to defrauding investors of $19 million in a Ponzi scheme. Paul Rinfret, 71, of Manhasset, New York, was sentenced Monday in Manhattan federal court. The sentencing followed his October guilty plea to wire and securities fraud.

U.S. District Judge Gregory Woods in Manhattan, said that Rinfret should spend five years and three months behind bars. Prosecutors said he carried out the fraud from at least 2016 through 2019, investing only a small portion of the money he had raised from six victims. When he did invest, he lost money, but falsified monthly account statements to make it seem as though his investors were enjoying excellent results, prosecutors said. They said he used money from investors on a nearly $50,000 Hamptons vacation rental and spent over $40,000 on jewellery and tens of thousands of dollars on the venue where his son held an engagement party.

More than $20 million in forfeiture was ordered, along with over $12 million

in restitution. In a letter to the judge, Rinfret said: “I do not offer excuses. I made terrible mistakes for which I have and will continue to pay. All responsibility is mine. I hate myself for the recklessness I showed.”

Meanwhile, back in Guyana, Garcia-Dominguez, a Cuban man who was granted Guyanese citizenship in June, his Guyanese wife, Ateeka Ishmael, are both accused of running a Ponzi operation under a company named ‘Accelerated Capital Firm.’

They are facing some 80 fraud charges in three courts which include swindling billions of dollars from the pockets of some 17,000 Guyanese under false pretense.

After spending a month in prison, they were both released and are on bail. There were some 70-plus complainants who registered their apprehension over gross operational irregularities and this lead to a massive police investigation and the arrest of the two accused. It is understood that reparation will commence later this month and full restitution is expected, starting with about 100 participants.

How long this process will take to complete and will everyone be compensated are some unanswered questions currently engaging the

attention of the worried and concerned parties.

How did this scheme go unnoticed for such a long time and undetected by the relevant authorities, or, was a blind eye deliberately turned in this issue? How gullible, naïve or financially frustrated did Guyanese become under the vices of the past, corrupted APNU+AFC government? Here again is another reason why Guyanese cannot trust that party because they failed in securing the best interest of the nation and allowed their hard-earned dollars to be squandered and go wasted! A prudent and proactive government has to be conscious of all irregularities that can undermine the economy, especially the citizens’ investments. When a government is involved in underhand dealings with recalcitrant investors, then, it is the people who always suffer the most.

Guyana’s history has shown how a starved nation fighting for freedom and equality can fall by the wayside from those who are selfish, conceited, power drunk and manipulative.

More so, to the extent that the perpetrators will trample upon dignity; damage what was tirelessly built; destroy what was stubbornly fought for and sacrifice their souls

Dispute resolution and settlement in the Public Service Dear editor, EFFECTIVE means of settling labour disputes, whether disputes of rights or disputes of interest are determined by the established machinery through consultation, negotiations, and with third-party assistance in the collective bargaining process, and statutory regulations.

When the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board certifies a trade union as the sole bargaining agent of the

workers in any enterprise or industry, the parties usually sign and accede to a collective agreement for recognition and the avoidance and settlement of disputes. Embodied in that recognition agreement is the process for collective bargaining and a grievance or representation procedure, which sets out the various stages through which a grievance or dispute can be processed.

Generally, the procedures include the internal stages for dispute resolution

at the enterprise or organisational level with specified time frames (may be stages i-iii), failure at the last internal stage is followed by conciliation/mediation (stage iv), and then arbitration (stage v), if there is still an impasse. In other cases, statutory requirements under the Labour Act and the Essential Services Act provide for adjudication by means of arbitration by an industrial tribunal for final and binding resolution.

TURN TO PAGE

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for the sake of imperialism.

The people’s prosperity was poisoned by poverty; a nefarious nature was left napping naked; coexistence was convoluted with corruption; thus, impregnated greed and animosity to interject the peace and progress that was resolutely created from a hard-fought battle that was a fusion of ethnic indifferences.

Many moons ago, that infamous foundation crept into existence with a leader that was composed, cruel and callous. His cool hands and calculated brain complicated a contorted condition that premised a legacy of lies, frauds and deceits.

This inheritance was gladly scooped up by followers with insatiable appetites for dramatic replication and intense confusion. The tool of divide and conquer was always conveniently associated under the guise of dictatorship, building up a

fortress of resistance from the suppressed and aggravation from the used and abused.

The commonality of hardship was ignored to save embarrassment, at the said time; the unrealistic cry for equality was absurdly echoed.

With the dissention of lawless behavior, the promotion of hooliganism, the precedence of law breaking and bypassing the constitution, there brazenly displayed the presumptuous disregard for rules and regulations and the implication of disrespect for law and order in society.

Discrimination allotted the order of the day and control was wielded by the might of an assumed supremacy.

The country experienced a moral convolution and harboured a culture that was tarnished at the leisure and pleasure of the privileged few. The characteristics that shape a man also shape a nation and so it is crucially essential that the voting

electorate pay keen and rapid attention to a leader’s components and composure.

Guyana decayed for 33 suffocating years under extreme hardship from falsity and dishonesty, yet Guyanese will not learn the bitter lessons. There are many who will still allow themselves to be lead blind-folded, to walk the plank and still hold on to a dream of imagination that, they are being led out from the land of wilderness unto the promised land for the “good life”, where “the small man is the real man.” If wishes were horses, beggars would ride, but, unfortunately, the reality is that, man, by his own hands, is the creator of his destiny! Our words, deeds and actions do live after us.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

City Constable committed to stand trial for 2018 killing A 52-year-old Lance Corporal of the City Constabulary was, on Monday, committed to stand trial in the High Court for the 2018 unlawful killing of Marlon Fredericks.

Gregory Bascom of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme was before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the Preliminary Inquiry into the indictable charge of manslaughter was conducted.

Bascom is currently on $800,000 bail for the offence which alleged that he unlawfully killed 34-year-old Fredericks on January 14, 2018, at Regent Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

On Monday, Magistrate

Daly ruled that a sufficient case was made out against Bascom and committed him to be tried before a judge and jury for the offence On January 13, 2018, Fredericks of Tiger Bay, Georgetown, was apprehended by law enforcement officers from the City Constabulary for a number of simple larceny cases. During his apprehension he was beaten.

Fredericks was kept in custody at the Constabulary’s Bourda Outpost and on January 14, 2018, it is alleged that he attempted to flee custody and was shot as a result.

His mother Claudette Fredericks had gone to visit him when she witnessed the shooting.

Dead: Marlon Fredericks

A post-mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was complications to

Gregory Bascom, Lance Corporal attached to the City Constabulary

his lower back due to gunshot wound.

Eyewitnesses said his

death could have been avoided since he was in a weakened state and could not

Dispute resolution and settlement in ...

Procedures for dispute resolution in the Public Service (Civil Service) are outlined in a Memorandum of Agreement between the Guyana Public Service Union and the Public Service Ministry for the avoidance and settlement of disputes in the civil service, as follows: “Clause 3: Representation Procedure: Stage I A member, individually or accompanied by not more than one, or in the case of group representation not more than two members of the Branch Grievance Committee, may approach the Supervisor/Sectional head in the first instance with a view to avoiding a dispute or settling a matter in dispute.

The Supervisor/Sectional Head shall endeavour to do all he/she possibly can to effect a satisfactory settlement within two (2) days.

Stage II Failing a settlement at Stage I, the member and/or his Branch Grievance Committee may approach the Head of the Personnel Unit of the particular Ministry/Department for a settlement. The Head of the Personnel Unit shall endeavour to meet the member and/or his Branch Grievance Committee as early as possible,

but within two working days in an effort to effect a settlement.

Stage III Failing a settlement at Stage II, the Branch Secretary and/or the General Secretary of the Union may request in writing a meeting with the Permanent Secretary/Departmental Head who shall endeavour to hold such a meeting as soon as possible, but within five (5) working days in an effort to bring about a satisfactory settlement of the matter.

Stage IV Failing a settlement at Stage III, the Grievance Committee of the Union may then refer the matter to the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry in writing. The Permanent Secretary, Public Service Ministry shall endeavour to meet the Grievance Committee of the Union as soon as possible, but within two weeks, for the purpose of discussing the matter or matters in dispute, and shall endeavour to effect a satisfactory settlement with all dispatch.

Stage V Failing a settlement at Stage IV, the matter may be referred by either side within fourteen (14) working days to the Ministry of Labour for conciliation.

have run away. This would have made his apprehension an easy task for the Lance Corporal.

Claudette Fredericks had said her son was a drug addict who had relapsed twice following stints at a rehabilitation facility.

She said that seeing her son being brutally beaten while surrendering to the police has been one of the most traumatising moments of her life. She said that because of the beating, her son had not eaten since he was taken into custody, and family members felt his death could have been avoided.

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Stage VI Failing settlement at Stage V, the matter may be referred by either side within fourteen (14) days to Arbitration. The Arbitration Panel shall consist of one member nominated by the Public Service Ministry, one member nominated by the Union and a Chairman agreed upon by the Public Service Ministry and Union.

In the event of the parties failing to reach agreement, the Chairman shall be nominated by the Minister of Labour. Any award by the Tribunal shall be final and binding.”

This agreement between the union and the government also provides for other existing statutory machinery for arbitration or other legal machinery which may be established by the National Assembly as set out in the words of the Agreement: “none of the above clause shall be interpreted to preclude the right of either the Ministry or the Union to make use of any existing or future national or other industrial machinery that may be legally established from time to time”. (Clause 7) This Recognition Agreement further affirms the established principles and norms in the practice TURN TO PAGE

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9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Guyana celebrates 28 years of democracy –– people’s right to fairly choose their gov’t must remain sacrosanct, says President Ali PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has hailed the 28th anniversary of the return of democracy to Guyana as historic, and has contended that the right of the people to freely and fairly choose the government must remain sacrosanct.

Democracy returned to Guyana on October 5, 1992 after decades in the wilderness under the People’s National Congress (PNC) rule.

“The restoration of democracy on October 5th, 1992 ushered in the dawn of a new era. No longer were we a pariah state, and no longer would dictatorship oppress our people and stifle economic development. It unlocked the latent potential of our people, and propelled economic growth and development,” the President said Monday in observance of the occasion.

The Head of State said Guyana’s economic, political and social progress over the past 28 years would not have been possible without democracy.

“On this the 28th anniversary milestone, Guyana recalls the epic struggle waged for the restoration of the right of our people to freely elect a government of their choice.

Today, we pay tribute to all those, inside and outside of Guyana, who contributed to the eventual triumph of democracy. We remember especially those brave individuals who lost their lives in this struggle, including Jagan Ramesar, Bhola Nauth Parmanand, Father Bernard Darke, and Dr. Walter Rodney,” President Ali said.

Sovereignty, according to the Constitution, the President said, belongs to the

leaders, Ashton Chase among them, all subscribed to the tenets of democracy, along with great trade union leaders.

Meanwhile, A New and United Guyana (ANUG), in a statement, also celebrated the 28th anniversary of the return of democracy to Guyana after rigged elections from in 1968, 1972, 1980 and 1985, and a rigged referendum in 1978.

“The PPP/C won the elections on 5th October,

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

people, and they exercise this sovereignty through their elected representatives.

He explained that the right of the people to freely and fairly choose who would govern them must remain sacrosanct.

“This right, we saw earlier this year, is fragile; it must be guarded and safeguarded zealously,” the President said, while noting that government remains committed to upholding and protecting democracy, and intends to fashion a more inclusive system of governance, and fortify democratic institutions.

NEVER AGAIN “Never again will our people’s freedom be subject to the threat of being hijacked. This glorious day reminds us that rights carry accompanying duties, and that, consequentially, every citizen has a duty to defend democracy. Today, as we observe the 28th anniversary of the restoration of democracy, it is as good a time as any to re-commit to ensuring

Dispute resolution and ... of industrial and Labour relations during the stages of negotiations set out above “that there shall be no lock-out by the Ministry concerned nor any strike, stoppage of work whether of a partial or a general character by the union, re-

fusal to work, slow down or retarding of production on the part of the union, nor shall there be reduction of the normal level of output by any members of the union.”

General collective matters of interest (in-

our democracy is never again threatened,” Dr. Ali said.

The Head of State also thanked all Guyanese, especially the many young people, who stood up and allowed themselves to be counted in the history books of the country, when their country needed them, in defense of democracy in 2020.

The David Granger-led APNU+AFC administration has been accused of electoral fraud after five months of delay in announcing the results which unseated his administration from office.

“Today, as we reflect on the legacy and life and contribution of Dr. Jagan, Janet Jagan and other leaders in our society, for the People’s Progressive Party, we can say that their legacy; we can say that their commitment was again celebrated when Guyanese in 2020 continued in a vein that ensured democracy lived on,” the President said.

President Ali explained that the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), when it was formed, all the great FROM PAGE

8

terest disputes) i.e. over wages/salaries, and other remuneration matters are usually processed from stage IV as stated above.

Sincerely, Samuel J. Goolsarran

1992, promising shared governance or a ‘winner does not take all’ system of government. The PPP/C remained in office for twenty-three years amidst an unstable political system, punctuated by periodic violence, and with economic growth unreflective of Guyana’s potential. The electorate voted the PPP/C out of office in 2015, and placed its confidence in the APNU+AFC coalition to mend our political system by implementing a detailed plan

for shared governance. They failed to do so, and attempted, unsuccessfully, to rig the 2020 elections,” ANUG said in its statement.

ANUG called on the Government on this important anniversary to re-commit itself to shared governance and a ‘winner does not take all’ political system, and to take steps to immediately implement a process of constitutional reform to bring this about.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Mahaica businessman makes COVID-19 donation to CDC RICE MILLER and owner of A&S General Contractors Inc., Amajad Reasat, on Saturday, donated a quantity of food supplies to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to assist in its COVID-19 relief efforts.

During a simple ceremony at his De Hoop, Mahaica business place, Reasat handed over a thousand bags of 10kg rice and fifty packs of channa, split peas and flour, respectively, to Director-General of CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig.

In brief remarks, the busi-

nessman said that this is a trying time for all of Guyana and he felt compelled to donate as he was inspired to do. He explained that he chose the CDC because he has seen how systemically and strategically the Commission has been distributing relief supplies in various communities. Reasat expressed confidence that those in need will be the beneficiaries of his contribution.

In response, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig commended the businessman and his family for supporting the cause and assured that

the CDC will not disappoint them.

He informed that the Commission will continue to put together hampers for distribution to those impacted by the global pandemic. He said the contribution will be used to meet the needs of those impacted by job loss, reduction and/or infected/affected by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Director-General used the opportunity to appeal to other businesses and organisations to emulate the businessman’s contribution.

CDC’s Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel, Kester Craig, receiving COVID-19 relief supplies from businessman, Amjad Reasat

10,000 COVID-19 relief items handed out countrywide THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has distributed 10,000 relief items and has provided other forms of humanitarian support countrywide to persons affected by the COVID-19 epidemic.

CDC Director-General Lieutenant-Colonel, Kester Craig made these disclosures at a COVID-19 Task Force press briefing last Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

“The commission works with international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector to ensure we have the necessary relief supplies to distribute to residents across Guyana,” he said.

The CDC has also provided support to the Health Emergency Operations Centre and regional emergency operation centres across the country, to ensure that adequate amounts of essential items are available to care

CDC Director-General Lieutenant-Colonel, Kester Craig

for persons in isolation and quarantine.

“Through support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, we have received gloves, masks, personal protective equipment and those equipment were handed over to the Ministry of Health and also to the Regional Response Mechanism to continue to

fight COVID-19. That is the posture we will continue to operate on going ahead and we will continue to support all agencies in executing their work,” Lt. Col. Craig said.

The CDC is also working closely with international organisations such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) to set up a total of 52 housing units across the country to house persons in isolation and quarantine.

“So, we would like to continue to have the support from those international agencies; their support is valuable to the response.

Fighting COVID-19 is not a one-person responsibility, it’s not only the government, but the responsibility of every individual,” Craig added.

The CDC will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that much-needed support reaches the people. (DPI)

Vendor gets bail for firearm-related charges A 37-year-old vendor, on Monday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on two firearm-related charges.

Joel Porte, of BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to having an unlicensed firearm

and several live rounds in his possession. He was granted $50,000 bail for each offence.

It is alleged that on October 1, 2020, at Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown, Porte had in his possession a firearm, specifically, a .32 Taurus pistol, without being the holder

of a valid firearm licence at the time. On the same date, it is also alleged that he had in his possession ten live rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a valid ammunition licence.

The matter was adjourned to Monday, November 2, 2020.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

James Singh reinstated Retired nurse, 38-year-old as head of CANU

male die from COVID-19

By Navendra Seoraj THE novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed the lives of two more Guyanese within the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 90.

Among the recent victims, was Mark King, a 55-year-old retired nurse, who spent 31 years delivering care at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Management of GPHC said King was well loved by his peers and patients, and was greatly respected for his tireless dedication to helping others.

He last served in GPHC’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department before proceeding on retirement in July, 2020.

“The management, staff and nursing fraternity of the

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation is incredibly saddened by the passing of nurse Mark King. We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his relatives, friends and loved ones at this time,” said the hospital’s administration.

Authorities also reported the death of a 38-yearold male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). The Guyana Chronicle understands that both King and the other male died while receiving treatment in GPHC’s COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The Ministry of Health expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, and pledged to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time.

Officials of the ministry have since contacted all rela-

tives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who might have been exposed to the victims.

“As we continue to be confronted with the gravity of COVID-19, we wish to remind persons to adhere to the public health guidelines for the protection of themselves and their loved ones; wear a mask, practise hand hygiene and physical distancing,” said authorities.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly-discovered coronavirus.

Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms, and recover without special treatment.

The WHO had said that 81 per cent of the persons who contract COVID-19 will

have mild symptoms while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms, and five per cent will need intensive care.

In Guyana, health authorities have so far tested 15,078 persons, with 11,552 proving negative, and 3,188 positive.

While 1,972 persons have recovered from this disease, 90 persons have died and there are 1,107 active cases which include 137 persons in institutional isolation, 975 in home isolation, and 14 in the COVID-19 ICU. Considering these numbers, persons were encouraged to take extra precaution because there is no approved cure or specific treatment for the disease. Guyanese were also reminded to observe the protocols established in the COVID-19 emergency measures.

JAMES Singh was on Monday reinstated to his former post as head of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Agency (CANU). Singh was removed by the previous administration in 2017.

The Guyana Chronicle also understands that the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, headed by retired Major General, Michael Atherly which was merged with CANU, will be unmerged.

Singh, who first took office in October 2008 at CANU, will now take over from Leslie Ramlall.

Last year, Ramlall had noted that over the last eight years, the amount of cocaine flowing through the Caribbean region has more than quadrupled, increasing from 35 metric tonnes in 2010 to 184 metric tonnes in 2018.

He said the demand for narcotics continues to increase, along with unprecedented seizures and increased intelligence-sharing with local and international partners.

Ramlall had noted that

Reinstated: Head of CANU, James Singh

the agency has destroyed several laboratories within the last three years, which indicates that the use of synthetic drugs is a new and rapidly expanding phenomenon in the region.

He said greater inter-agency collaboration will ensure that the young generation is not lost, and much work continues to be done by law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to educate the nation on the dangers of narcotics.

Defying the odds

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

–– hinterland schools adapting to new learning environment during COVID-19 pandemic

By Naomi Parris IMPROVING access to education, particularly in hinterland communities, remains a top priority for the government, even as the country continues to contend with the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Recently, Education Minister Priya Manickchand visited a number of villages in the hinterland region, where she provided a months’ worth of learning material for children who are unable to access their learning material or Interact with their teachers virtually.

The minister, during her visits to several riverine communities said: “We have had to craft a plan to deliver education in various ways, because no one solution will suit or be suitable for every single student across the country.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the possibility of community spread, the Education Ministry was forced to close schools across the country to protect the country’s children and educators.

Television, radio and the Internet were primarily used to send and receive information between students, pupils and teachers. However, the minister noted that not everyone is fortunate to access their learning material via the Internet and other media sources, and this unfortunately is the reality for many who reside in the hinterland regions.

Eucation Minister Priya Manickchand hands over the learning materials to a regional representative

She added that teachers were advised to engage their students and pupils via WhatsApp, Google Classroom, Zoom and many other similar platforms. She further noted that the ministry also refashioned the Guyana Learning Channel to deliver timetabled instruction; however, many students who reside in the hinterland region are not able to have the luxury of Online schooling. Cognisant of this, she stated that the ministry has since been able to provide print material for those who cannot access the Internet, the Learning Channel or the radio.

‘BACK IN GEAR’ During her visit, the minister met with Marti

DeSouza, District Education Officer of Mabaruma, who disclosed that engaging with students and pupils in Mabaruma and other villages in the region has been a challenge over the past few months.

“Region One has been one of the hardest hit in the hinterland if you’ve been following the media, and even now as we speak, we are the second highest just behind Region Four. Since the shut-down in March, it has been very challenging, I must say; school has been out, and no one was prepared,” DeSouza said, adding: “We have seen in Georgetown and the coastland that Online classes have resumed; the challenge continues to be in the hinterland,

where we do not have access to Wi-Fi, and as such, there is nothing much that we can really do.”

Nevertheless, he noted that the Department of Education has “kicked back into gear” with the print material provided by the ministry.

Leola Fiedkou, a teacher from Baramita, added that the materials will now assist those children who were unable to access their learning material Online.

“These materials will benefit the children during the pandemic, because, like other regions, especially on the coastland, these children do not have access to the Internet, so these materials will be beneficial, because these children will get to go and do some work,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shondell Worrell, a teacher from Matthews Ridge, disclosed that while she has been able to reach a few of her pupils via the Internet, it took them some time to get used to the new learning environment.

“Due to the COVID-19, we have been having lots of challenges. Now the children are at home, teachers cannot meet with them face-to-face; we cannot get to do our discussions, give certain instructions as we would like,” she said.

Worrell added that she believes access to print material will be more effective, since pupils and students will no longer have to depend solely on the Internet for their learning material.

Minister Manickchand on the way to meet a group during the weekend visit to the hinterland to deliver learning materials

Giftland to supply GPL grid by month-end

THE Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has several projects in train to maximise the potential of power generation in both the short and long-term.

Samaroo Ramtahal, the new Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Strategic Operations at GPL, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that they were looking at three avenues.

One of the projects entails securing an additional five megawatts of power from the Giftland Mall through a Power Purchase Agreement.

Personnel are currently on the ground working on the connections, and GPL expects to see the project completed by month-end.

This will bring much-needed relief and reduce blackouts for thousands of residents on

the East Coast corridor.

The Giftland system has a 6.7 megawatts output capacity. However, it uses only 1.6 megawatts during prime operations.

Ramtahal added preliminary works are also being set in motion for another 30 megawatts of power for the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System to ensure a merry Christmas.

The third project is a “dual engine for Garden of Eden to 46.5 megawatts,” the CEO said. This is a major project for GPL, which is expected to be implemented

by April-June, 2021.

“By that time we should be able to be in a better position to manage our reliability of electricity in this country,” Ramtahal said.

The DCEO told the DPI

since his appointment he has uncovered a number of inconsistencies in the company’s management during the previous administration.

“I’m there for just two weeks, but I’ve discovered [that] over the last four to five years, investments to generation was [sic] under five per cent, [which is] merely seven megawatts,” Mr. Ramtahal revealed.

“We are trapped with a very low generation reserve and when we have problems, we do not have what you call ‘spinning reserves’ or spare reserves to ensure that the grid is operating in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Mercy Hospital introduces laser Dr. Narine Singh is new CMO treatment for kidney stones

SURGICAL Associates Guyana has introduced laser treatment of kidney stones at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. This technique uses a high intensity laser beam to pulverise stones through an endoscope.

The St. Joseph Mercy Hospital is the first and only hospital in the country with the equipment and expertise to offer this modern method of treatment. Surgical Associates Guyana, based at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, is a group of young Guyanese surgeons who are highly skilled in their respective fields.

They have a common mission of providing the Guyanese people with first world level surgical care. This significant investment is a reflection of their commitment to the development of healthcare in this country.

The first case of a kidney stone treated with the laser in Guyana was a 34-year-old female with a 1.1cm stone in the kidney. The patient was successfully treated last Thursday at the St, Joseph Mercy Hospital and was discharged within hours of the procedure. Traditionally, this would have required an inci-

Dr Sukhraj (second from left) with the operating room team

sion on the abdomen, two to three days of hospitalisation and weeks of convalescence.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Rajendra

Sukhraj, a trained specialist urological surgeon. Dr. Sukhraj is highly experienced in treating kidney stones with the laser. He

returned to Guyana one year ago after completing a post-graduate degree in Urology at the University of the West Indies.

Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

Dr. Narine Singh

NEWLY-appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Narine Singh, is eager to serve in his new role and to improve health services across the country.

Dr. Singh replaces Dr. Shamdeo Persaud who has reached retirement age.

Dr. Singh, who is listed as the most senior medical doctor within the public service, assumed office as CMO on October 1. He is a graduate of the University of Guyana School of Medicine and holds a Masters Degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Prior to his appointment, Dr Singh served as regional health officer, Region One; Medical Superintendent at the Suddie Public Hospital; Director of National Blood Bank; Director of Regional Health Services; senior lecturer at the University of Guyana; and an Obstetric Gynecologist at GPHC. Outgoing CMO, Dr.

Shamdeo Persaud said he is pleased to hand over such an important office to Dr. Singh and wish him well in the future. According to Dr. Persaud, Dr. Singh will do his work in the best interest of all Guyanese.

Dr. Persaud is also confident that despite the pandemic, Dr. Singh will find amicable solutions to several challenges at the GPHC, including the balancing of public health control and dealing with current economic challenges. He also called on the health team across Guyana to give Dr. Singh their full support as he assumed his new office and new responsibilities.

According to information reaching this newspaper, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle could not have been appointed CMO since she is a contract worker and has also reached the age of 55.

PNCR Agricola building to provide 'political' services THE People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), on Monday, celebrated its 63rd anniversary with the dedication of a new building at Agricola, which former President, David Granger, said will be used for the provision of political services.

Granger made this comment during the launch of the anniversary celebrations at the Ranwell Jordan Congress House. The building is located on the Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

The PNC/R leader expressed hope that in addition to providing political services, the building will serve as a cultural centre, a learning centre, a job exchange facility and a small-enterprise bureau for the children and young people of the constituency.

He used the occasion to applaud the unsung sacrifices of grassroot members in rural and urban regions, who built the party over more than six decades.

The building was named after Ranwell Jordan, one-time Councillor and Mayor of the City of Georgetown and Chairman of the Agricola PNC group, who also had rural roots in the Mahaica-Berbice Region.

Granger congratulated newly-elected Chairman of the Demerara-Mahaica Regional Democratic Council, Daniel Seeram, who was present at the ceremony.

He thanked Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, who was the moving force behind the construction of the Agricola building, and Party Treasurer, Ronald Bulkan, who led the effort to build the Mahdia Congress House in the Potaro-Siparuni Region.

The PNC was founded on 5th October 1957 by Forbes Burnham as its leader and Joseph Pryag Lachmansingh as Chairman.

The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Return to the source’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

President, Education Minister celebrate teachers PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali has expressed pro- found gratitude to past and present teachers and educators across Guyana, while Education Minister Priya Manickchand said the pandemic has reminded all of the critical role teachers play in the development of the nation.

President Irfaan Ali

Their comments were made against the background of Guyana joining countries the world over in celebrating World Teacher’s Day on Monday.

Established in 1994, World Teacher’s Day, also known as International Teacher’s Day, is celebrated annually on October 5, in recognition of the hard work of educators in overcoming hurdles to educate the world’s children.

This year, the event is being celebrated under the theme, “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”.

“This year’s theme is especially significant, as we face, head-

on, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the immense strain it has placed on education systems around the world,” UNSETTLING GLOBAL CONTEXT President Ali said in a statement on Monday.

The minister highlighted that the world is celebrating World “As we join together to celebrate the teaching profession Teachers’ Day in an unsettling global educational context, and worldwide, we must take stock of our national achievements, in so doing commended the theme for aptly reflecting the state and recognise the crucial role our teachers play in shaping our of affairs and challenges that teachers the world over are facing. nation, even in these challenging times. Our educators have had Minister Manickchand applauded teachers here for selflessly cause to adapt to new norms of education delivery, and in so placing the needs of all of our nation’s children as their foremost doing are faced with the ever-present challenge to ensure that priority. no child is left behind,” the president said.

“The countless anecdotes capturing the lengths to which He said that the Government will ensure that they do their many of our teachers have gone to continue to engage their part to put mechanisms in place to guarantee that our teachers charges are testaments to the quality of the teaching service we are equipped to succeed. are blessed with in Guyana,” the minister said.

“We commit to strengthening our education system, and She added: “In the face of the displacing effects of the working with our educators to guide them through this unCOVID 19 pandemic, our teachers have had to find innocharted landscape, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic,” vative means of meeting the educational needs of our the President said, adding: diverse student population. Our education system, “In our Manifesto commitments, while we like no other time in our history, has had to confront assured of improved access to, and quality of eduthe issues of the digital divide and other related cation at every level, we also assured of improved equity concerns.” remuneration and conditions of service for Manickchand said the commitment and teachers, inclusive of opportunities for training dedication of teachers has given great conand skills development.” fidence in “our ability as a nation” to meet During her message, Minister Manickchand the challenges of re-imagining and re-tooling said she joined with all stakeholders in celebratthe country’s education sector to meet the ing our teachers. demands of the future.

“In partnership with the Guyana Teachers “We stand on the cusp of a new era Union, the Teaching Service Commission and in education, one that requires the all stakeholders, we will work to ensure that creation of highly adaptive learning teachers and teaching are given their due reenvironments. This demands that the gard and recognition. In doing this, we must system incorporates a multiplicity of ensure that the standards set for the profesapproaches and adequately equips its sion are consistently adhered to, and that teachers with the skills, knowledge the teaching service reflects the highest and resources to effectively deliver,” Education Minister ideals,” Minister Manickchand said.

Ms. Priya Manickchand she said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Pomona man succumbs to gunshot injuries

Dead: Reeaz Khan

REEAZ KHAN, 21, of Pomona Housing Scheme, Region Two, has succumbed to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound to the face by unknown persons.

Khan, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Suddie Public Hospital, was pronounced dead on Monday morning.

Khan, along with his friend, Cordell Grinds, was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital last Tuesday after they were shot at in Aurora Village. Grinds is currently hospitalised and his condition is listed as stable.

According to information received, both Khan and Grinds went to Aurora village to pay hotel owner, Sahiza Khan, a sum of money that was owed to her.

They went with a Mazda motor car, PRR 1219. After conducting their transaction, they drove off when they heard gunshots fired at them.

When Grinds looked at

Khan, who was on the passenger side of the car, he noticed that khan was shot to the face between his nose and left eye. Grinds then realised that he was shot to his left arm and palm area. The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 29, around 19:30 hrs.

Grinds continued to drive and took his friend to the hospital. The matter was reported to the Suddie Police Station and investigators, soon after, visited the scene.

No suspect has been held in relation to the shooting.

Police observed two holes on the car doors: one on the driver side and the other on the front passenger side.

One .32 spent shell was found in front of the passenger seat on the floor.

Khan’s body is currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Handyman allegedly busted with cannabis released on bail ODEL HICKS, a 32-year-old handyman, on Monday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with possession of 372 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Hicks of Independence Boulevard, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $50,000

bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

He allegedly committed the offence on Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Camp and Bent Streets, Georgetown.

The matter was adjourned to Monday, November 2, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Butler torches Lakers as Heat cut NBA Finals deficit to 2-1

(REUTERS) - Jimmy Butler and the undermanned Miami Heat breathed new life into the NBA Finals with a gritty 115-104 upset

victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday that cut the best-of-seven series deficit to 2-1.

The Heat, well aware

that no NBA team has ever come back from a 0-3 series deficit to win in seven games, squandered a 14-point third-quarter lead

but dug deep in the fourth to avoid being pushed to the brink of elimination.

“I think we realised that we belong,” said All Star forward Butler after recording his first career playoff triple-double with 40 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds.

Miami Heat Jimmy Buttler looks to shoot (Reuters photo)

“They can be beaten as long as we do what we are supposed to do.”

LeBron James had a team-high 25 points for the Lakers while Anthony Davis, who was a dominant force in the first two games of the series, got in early foul trouble and lacked rhythm as he managed just 15 points.

Miami, without injured starters Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic for a second consecutive game, built a 13-point lead out of the gate but the Lakers clawed back to within four points after two quarters despite 14 turnovers.

The Heat opened the third with a 10-0 run to build another double-digit lead and while the Lakers missed their first seven shots of the half they fought back to lead 91-89 with under nine minutes to play.

Miami needed someone to step up and Butler answered the call with eight consecutive points as the Heat pulled away.

“I thought Jimmy was phenomenal,” said James.

“He did everything that they needed for him to do tonight and he came through big time in a bigtime game.”

This year’s NBA Finals will cap a season unlike any other as play restarted in July after a four-month hiatus with all games held at Disney World in Florida to limit the risk from the novel coronavirus.

Game Four is on today.

Windies should consider Pooran for Test format-Richards LEGENDARY West Indies ball blaster Viv Richards has advocated for selectors of the regional team to consider T20 batsman Nicholas Pooran for the longest format of the sport.

The 25-year-old has to date been cast in the role of a shortball specialist, having made 21 T20I appearances for the West Indies and 25 One Day International (ODI) matches. Pooran is, however, yet to make any Test match appearances.

Richards has, however, seen enough in the play of the batsman to suggest he could be a very viable option for the four-day format, where the West Indies has struggled to make any headway in recent years.

“We could look at that and I think he could be a serious option down in the middle order, with the gloves on as well. These are some of the things they may have to look at because I think he has got a serious head on him in terms of the way he thinks.

He looks pretty serious and the way he would have adapted so far at the highest level, I just think that could be another option,” Richards told the Good Morning Jojo radio program.

“He is a power player as well, and he has got the ability to play all formats, but it is just sometimes you have coaches telling you what they think you should be doing and the things they think you’re good at, but sometimes I believe you have to give these guys a chance. If they have it in mind that they would love to play all these various formats, then why not.” (Sportsmax)

Stonis, Rabada take Delhi Capitals to top of IPL points table DELHI Capitals moved clear at the top of the Indian Premier League(IPL) table courtesy of a resounding 59-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore.

A strong batting performance that benefited from a late onslaught by the big-hitting Marcus Stoinis powered Delhi to 196-4 after they had been put into bat by Virat Kohli.

Prithvi Shaw (42) was the aggressor in an opening stand worth 68 with Shikhar Dhawan, who contributed a more sedate 32 to the cause before departing in the 10th over.

Rishabh Pant made 37 but it was Stoinis who stole the show in the closing overs, the Australian all-rounder blasting six fours and a pair of sixes as he made an unbeaten 53.

Bangalore’s reply simply never recovered after a poor start that saw them slip to 433, AB de Villiers among those to fall early.

Captain Kohli top-scored with 43 before becoming one of four wickets for the excellent Kagiso Rabada, who now has 12 in this year’s tournament at

an average of 12.50.

There were two wickets apiece for Anrich Nortje and Axar Patel too, the Royal Challengers eventually finishing well shy on 137-9 from their 20 overs.

Stoinis had endured a lean spell since starting the new IPL season with 53 against Kings XI Punjab in Delhi’s opener.

He had managed just 16 runs in three knocks since but was back to his destructive best against Bangalore, reaching his half-century off 24 deliveries as he added 89 for the third wicket with Pant.

In 2019, Ravichandran Ashwin caused a stir when, as captain of Kings XI, he ran out Rajathan Royals’ Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end, the batsman having left his crease before the ball had been delivered.

There was nearly a repeat when Ashwin had a similar situation with Aaron Finch here, but the India spinner opted instead to produce a stare at the out-of-position Bangalore batsman, followed quickly by a wry smile.

Walsh says his ... out how we can improve with the players we have and other young players to come into the set-up as well. To try to create that brand that we know we can play, that we used to play, going back a few years when we won the T20 world Cup in India and couple years ago when we were in the semi-finals and were doing so well,” he said.

“That is going to come from consistency… how we plan, how we strate-

Turn from back page

gize, how we execute a n d get our tactical awareness up. I’m not going to leave any stones unturned. I’m going to go right through everything to ensure we give ourselves he very best chance. We have a good solid base of player. Obviously, we have to perform.

Those teams with players who perform get the best results.” (CWI Media)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

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Summer schedule ‘saved ECB from financial oblivion’, says Harrison ENGLISH cricket has been saved from “financial oblivion” by playing behind closed doors, says England and Wales Cricket Board chief Tom Harrison.

England’s men and women enjoyed successful summers on the field, despite the coronavirus pandemic, while a modified county season reached a conclusion when Notts Outlaws won the T20 Blast on Sunday.

“There is some pride at what has been achieved this year but there is also concern for the future,” chief executive Harrison said.

England’s men won Test series against West Indies and Pakistan, while also hosting Ireland and Aus-

tralia for white-ball only tours, with the women’s side thrashing West Indies 5-0 in a T20 series.

money from broadcasting revenue.

“Being able to deliver on those broadcast commitments

England’s men hosted Ireland, West Indies, Pakistan and Australia over the summer

All international series were played in bio-secure bubbles and ensured the governing body could still earn

has frankly saved us from financial oblivion, and obviously not just us but the rest of the game too. It’s as stark

as that,” said Harrison.

However, the organisation says it has still lost more than £100m, and last month it announced it would be cutting 62 jobs due to the impact of Covid-19.

“The ECB has lost more than £100m of revenue and 800 days of live spectators in stadia,” Harrison added.

“The consequences of that are now being felt by people across the game who are losing livelihoods and are going through some very, very difficult moments in their lives.

“Right now at the ECB we are going through the painful process of becoming a smaller organisation coming out of this summer.”

There had been fears England’s women would not play any cricket after South Africa withdrew from their scheduled tour over travel restrictions.

However, a T20 series against West Indies was played in September, with a dominant England winning every match.

The series also saw the first live women’s game on BBC Sport since 1993, simulcast live on Sky, which saw a peak audience of 1m and a total reach of 2m across both networks.

“I don’t think we have lost a great deal of momentum this year,” England women’s managing director

Clare Connor said.

“We need to continue to show that our commitment to investing in the game for women and girls remains undiminished, despite the financial challenges ahead.”

The ECB hoped to launch The Hundred, a new 100ball tournament for men and women, in 2020 but that has been postponed for 12 months.

The 18 first-class counties played in a new fourday competition - the Bob Willis Trophy - and they have been assured by the ECB they will receive “100% of their funding” for next season. (BBC Sport)

Ambassadors Sports Club complete double …B team takes top honours in SCA Third Division

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada - One week after their Elite team were crowned champions in Division One, Ambassadors Sports Club B brought more joy for the club when the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) 2020 season climaxed here over the last weekend.

Like their Division One counterparts, the debutant Third Division side also entered the final encounter versus Toronto 6ixers needing a win to seal the Group B title which had eluded them the previous weekend with a loss to Toronto Seawolves.

The victory took the Christopher Singh-led Ambassadors B to the top of the group with 70 points, five ahead of Toronto Seawolves who placed second on 65. Kokuvil Sports Club and Toronto Lead both ended on 40 points while Toronto 6ixers had 35.

The winners of Group A were still undecided following a disputed game between leaders Phoenix Kerala (75 points) and Tpark Youngstars (70). The issue is expected to be settled shortly.

Winning the toss and opting to bat in overcast conditions at the Ajax Cricket Ground on Saturday, Ambassadors B reached an imposing 235 for five, which included 16 penalty runs, after Toronto 6ixers only bowled 28 of the required 30 overs in the allotted two hours playing time.

Toronto 6ixers never threatened in their turn at the crease and were routed for 108 in 22.1 overs, going down by

the huge margin of 127 runs.

The platform for Ambassadors B winning total was laid by openers Mukesh Samaroo (83) and Navin Seelochand (21), the two adding 99 in 16.5 overs before Seelochand (two fours) went caught at cover

by Umair Choksi off Safran Lafeer.

Samaroo, whose fine knock included 11 fours and a six, added a further 46 off just 19 balls for the third wicket with the hard-hitting Nicholus Jacobs who smoked five fours and three sixes in a destructive 52 off 27 balls. Four bowlers –

for the winners, tallying 307 with three half-centuries, his highest being 60 for an average of 30.90.

Samaroo played nine matches, scored 235 runs with one half-century (83), averaging 29.38. Guyanese-born Girdharry, who was part of the West Indies Over-50 side in South Africa earlier this year, hit 201 runs and missed out on a century after being dismissed for 99. His average was 22.33.

The bowling was led by Ryan Ramnarine who took 15 wickets in his 10 matches with an economy rate of

The winning Ambassadors B team after the victory on Saturday

Amandeep Gill, Arora Sahib, Kutral Veerabadran and Safran Lafeer took a wicket each.

Toronto 6ixers were never up to the task, losing wickets at regular intervals before succumbing meekly. Opener Veerabadran (26 with four fours), Sugaanthan Sriskandarajah (26 with four fours) and skipper Arsalan Mian (21 with two fours and a six) were the main contributors. Medium pacer, Kevin Baijnauth, was the main destroyer with three for six from 3.1 overs while Ryan Ramnarine (one for 10), Neil Ramkissoon (one for 23), Kenny Girdharry (one for 27) and Saif Basheer (one for 27) lend admirable support.

Seelochand, who played all 10 matches, ended the season with the most runs

3.67. Baijnauth claimed 13 in nine matches (economy 6.02), Neil Ramkissoon 12 from six matches (economy 6.25) and Mark Williams eleven from nine (economy 5.18).

The club is being led by dynamic president, Ronald Ramnarine, whose parents are Guyanese. While expressing delight at both teams’ performances in the 2020 season, Ramnarine said credit must be given to this year’s debutant Elite League captain, Amerish ‘Kevin’ Deoraj.

Ramnarine described Deoraj as a true leader on and off the field who led his squad to winning supremacy with 7-2 record, leading from the front with his bowling.

Deoraj’s 16 scalps came at an economy rate of 4.77.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

WI Women lead selector concerned about lack of depth in female talent LEAD West Indies Women selector Ann Browne-John said she and her fellow selectors are concerned that there is not a deep enough pool of women to choose from to replace non-performing players in the West Indies Women’s team.

It was an issue they had planned to begin addressing during the regional women’s and U19 tournaments that were cancelled earlier this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the recent fivematch tour of England, the Caribbean women were swept 5-0 in a woefully lop-sided series. Only Deandra Dottin walked away with her head held high scoring

185 runs at an average of 37 over the five matches. She also bowled well despite nursing a sore shoulder.

No other batter made 100 runs during the series.

Captain Stafanie Taylor with 78 runs was the only player to come close while Hayley Matthews was the next best having scored 38 runs, 21 of them coming in a single inning. Other than Dottin and Taylor, no other batter had a double-digit average, an area of great concern for Browne-John.

“Most definitely, and we have recognized that fact,” she said while speaking on Sportsnation Live on Nationwide Radio in Jamaica on Saturday night.

She indicated that this was a concern that the selectors had been discussing for some time and which they had planned to begin looking into with the regional tournaments this year.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to have a regional senior or U19 tournament this year but that is something we have discussed as selectors; that we now have to start looking for the next group of players, the group that would normally be like an ‘A’ team or an U19 team.

So we have to start finding that group of players and start nurturing that group,” she said.

“It was also mentioned

that we don’t have left-hand batters in our top order, we have to pick somebody who is left-handed and who is performing, so that is another consideration.”

The selectors were also hoping to unearth a specific type of bowler as well, the lead selector revealed.

“We have a great number of offspinners but we only have one leg spinner in Afy Fletcher, but we don’t have a large number of left-arm orthodox bowlers,” she said. “When we go out, every team we face we come up against left-arm orthodox. We have to look for that kind of player in the Caribbean.”

(Sportsmax)

West Indies Women’s Head Selector, Ann Browne-John

Phased reopening needed for gyms, Djokovic battles past Khachanov in first real test sports facilites as lockdown continues

By Clifton Ross THE local sports and fitness scene has been hit heavily by Covid-19, but an urgent blueprint for a phased reopening process is needed as health and wellness play an even bigger role in society today.

The role of promoting exercise and fitness as part of one’s daily life routine has never been more significant, given the high levels of immunity and peak physiology needed to withstand/sustain possible contractions of the virus.

Apart from the local athletes, the average Guyanese usually indulges in daily or weekly workout routines. The green light to put in some cardiovascular sessions, whether it be on the seawalls, the National Park or around the block, is still limited to the lockdown

rules.

With no specific time frame on the return to full normalcy within the sporting sector locally, it is utterly crucial to formulate a phased plan of return to live action.

For example, sports which are usually played at community centres, multi-purpose facilities/arenas and grounds, can slowly reinstate a bit of normalcy to their associations by implementing unique guidelines suited to their genre of sports.

In the case of gyms, a limited number of people can be permitted to work out, with gyms scheduling specific workout sessions with designated number of attendees at a time.

Areas designated for weights or exercise machines should have the areas sani-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Tuesday, October 6, 2020 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Mumbai Indians (4 times) RR-49 (2009)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has scored most runs in a single IPL season to date?

(2) Who has taken most wickets in a single IPL season to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

tised with that area too being restricted to a limited amount of persons.

Looking to the more meticulous approach of reopening the gates to live team action and congregating, stricter guidelines and rules are needed in order to make this aspect a success.

For team sports like cricket, soccer, rugby and basketball, local associations should tinker with limiting the number of days in which they host practice sessions or simply group players according to total number of active members and designate days for those groups to have their sessions which will be carried out under Covid-19 guidelines.

A big factor will be limiting/monitoring social interactions among the teams or players before, during and after games.

Any form of interaction or pre/post game meetings should be done discreetly with specifed small groups of five or so being broken up together and attended to separately.

Teams will also be tasked with maintaining off-field responsibilities with regard to staying safe and in shape amidst the pandemic.

With no certain time on a recession of the virus, innovative plans and approaches are needed by the local sports industry and government as to better facilitate the future for the full return of sports in Guyana.

PARIS (Reuters) - Top seed Novak Djokovic passed his first real test at this year’s French Open with flying colours as he battled past Russia’s Karen Khachanov 6-4 6-3 6-3 on Monday to reach the quarter-finals for the 14th time.

Djokovic, who has bounced back strongly from the ignominy of being defaulted at the U.S. Open for inadvertently striking a female line judge in the throat with a ball, said.

“It was quite even all three sets and I managed to break

Top seed Novak Djokovic

It was far from plain sailing for the 33-year-old Serb though and there was an anxious moment when a ball flew off his racket during the first set and hit a line judge in the head, reviving memories of his default at the U.S. Open.

Djokovic had conceded no sets and only 15 games in his first three rounds but the powerful 15th seed Khachanov provided a much better barometer of his form in his quest for a second French Open and 18th major title.

“It was definitely closer than the score suggests,”

his resistance towards the end of each set but it was a close one definitely. I’m happy the way I closed it out.”

Djokovic is through to his 47th Grand Slam quarter-final and 11th in succession at Roland Garros and will face either German qualifier Daniel Altmaier or 17th seed Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain. Carreno Busta was the player who benefitted from Djokovic’s indiscretion in the U.S. Open fourth round.

Djokovic faced stiff resistance in the first set and it was while pushing for a

break in the eighth game that he stretched to return a wide serve and the ball flew off his frame and into the temple of a line judge from close range.

This time it was a completely innocent accident and Djokovic apologised and moments later broke serve after a gruelling 10-minute game.

Russian Khachanov broke back though immediately with a dipping forehand before tamely handing Djokovic the set in the next game with a double fault.

Djokovic relied heavily on his drop shot again as he moved 4-2 ahead in the second but Khachanov then had four break points but failed to convert any of them.

Khachanov survived four set points at 2-5 before Djokovic calmly held to move two sets clear.

Djokovic could never totally relax though and from 2-0 ahead in the third set, he lost three consecutive games and saved two break points to avoid going 4-2 down.

The Serb is never more dangerous than when his back is against the wall though and he regained control to ease home and claim a 35th win in 36 matches this season -- the one blot being his default in New York.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 6, 2020

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Lanning’s 14th ODI ton puts Aussies on verge of history AUSTRALIA’s one-day juggernaut has claimed another piece of silverware and moved to within one win of equaling a remarkable world record, after making it 20 consecutive victories in the second ODI against New Zealand in Brisbane.

Despite being faced with their most daunting target at any point in their winning sequence, Australia’s batters were rarely troubled as they collected the 253 runs required with 29 balls and four wickets to spare, taking an unassailable two-nil lead to retain the Rose Bowl trophy they have held since February 2000.

And as has so often been the case, it was Meg Lanning (101no off 96) who anchored proceedings, the skipper putting aside an apparent hamstring issue to team up with the in-form Rachael Haynes (82 from 89) for a 117-run second-wicket that proved decisive.

Should the Aussies complete a clean sweep in the series finale on Wednesday, it will see them equal Ricky Ponting’s 2003 Australian men’s team’s record for the most consecutive ODI victories.

Without the injured Suzie Bates and after being thrashed two days ago, New Zealand showed considerable mettle to produce the performance they did. After being sent in to bat it was the opening pair of Sophie Devine (79) and Natalie Dodd (34) who laid the foundation with a 75-run stand Not for the first time in her burgeoning ODI career, leftarm spinner Sophie Molineux snared the breakthrough, though the wicket of Dodd meant the arrival of Satterthwaite, who has been improving with every performance in these white-ball matches.

The left-hander motored along at around a run-a-ball on her way to a fine 50, giving the White Ferns innings much-needed impetus through the middle overs even as Devine became bogged down against Georgia Wareham and then Nicola Carey.

The White Ferns skipper may well have been pacing herself for the type of late-innings explosion that has made her one of the most dangerous players in the WBBL, however when Jess Jonassen (4-36) claimed her wicket in the 39th over, she had only managed to

score 18 from the final 40 balls she faced.

Just as it threatened to stall, the New Zealand innings was

Alyssa Healy (21 from 19) who launched the counter-attack, blazing 14 from the first over – including a stunning six forward

Meg Lanning of Australia celebrates victory and her century in the second game against New Zealand at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Monday (Getty Images)

boosted by a spectacular late partnership from Katey Martin (26 from 14) and Maddy Green (21 from 13), who put on 42 from 22 balls.

Their respective exits signalled a remarkable collapse of 5-2 in the closing overs as Australia fought back valiantly through experienced hands Jonassen and Megan Schutt (2-54), leaving their batters with a target in excess of 250 for the first time since this winning sequence began.

And unsurprisingly it was

of point.

Healy batted with an abandon that spoke of a deep batting order, and her fireworks were short-lived when she was bowled by Devine.

Lanning made an unbeaten 62 on Saturday and she picked up where she left off, working her way into a partnership with Haynes that ultimately decided the match.

A back injury to strike bowler Lea Tahuhu made the New Zealanders’ task all the more challenging, and Haynes and

Lanning seized the advantage for the home side, at one point taking a maximum each from one over of Green’s gentle offbreaks.

Haynes has been in impressive touch and the left-hander seemed to take a more aggressive approach today, cutting and pulling effectively as she moved to a fine half-century.

The pair put on their fourth century stand in their most recent seven ODI innings and were doing it comfortably until Devine again intervened, Haynes denying herself a hundred when she drove a full toss to cover.

As Beth Mooney (6), Sophie Molineux (14) and Ash Gardner (0) came and went in the space of six overs, Lanning pressed on unperturbed, picking singles easily and at one point stepping down the wicket to loft a freehit from leg-spinner Amelia Kerr – who had just taken those three wickets – over wide long on for six.

It was her third six but she had never strayed from the risk-free approach that has underpinned her record-breaking career.

Kerr’s three-wicket burst did bring proceedings to life and

as New Zealand were dragged back into the contest by their teenaged superstar, Australia responded in kind.

Annabel Sutherland is one day short of being exactly one year younger than Kerr, and the pace-bowling allrounder – who debuted on Saturday – came to the middle at a critical moment in the run chase.

Comforted by the presence of Lanning, she settled into her work with few signs of nerves, driving Devine for four through mid-on from the fourth ball she faced.

From there the two Victorians combined well, bringing the Australians to within eight of victory before Sutherland was caught for 17 at deep midwicket.

It left Nicola Carey to complete the formalities with her skipper, though there was some theatre even in that as she blocked out five balls to allow Lanning to have a chance to reach her century.

From the first ball of the 46th over, she did exactly that, the 28-year-old cutting through gully to bring up her 14th ODI century and taking her unstoppable Australian outfit to another success.

(Cricket.com.au)

reaches first French Open Adams endorses ‘Bubble’ system Kvitova quarter-final for eight years ―as cricket remains in limbo ―Jags spinner says delayed Regional season more frustrating

By Clifton Ross NATIONAL spinner, Anthony Adams is supporting the idea of the local cricket system creating their own “Bubble” so as to ensure that some amount of live action can be played in the near future; despite Covid-19 still running amok.

The Guyana Jaguars leftarm spinner and Essequibo franchise skipper told Guyana Chronicle on Monday that the idea of the country’s cricket fraternity staging their own bubble is something that may just work in favour of him and his tradesmen.

With West Indies and England, the 2020 Hero CPL and now the ongoing IPL, all having adapted to the Bubble, which was first made a success by the NBA, seems to have provided some manner of defence against the pandemic while affording live cricket to be played under strict biosecure guidelines.

“I think it’s a good idea because Cricket West Indies have planned the Regional season for December, I think.

So it’s important that Guyana’s franchise can work to

put things in place so when the tournament arises we are not lacking in any way”. He said.

Guyana Jaguars spinner, Anthony Adams

Regarding the country’s current situation and venues remaining closed, the Essequibian believed that the Bubble system is ideally needed as part of the rephasing/reopening process.

“I think if the way forward

is having players and teams in a Bubble, then those in charge should try and get that system in place, because we don’t know when covid will go away, so with that being said, I think it’s a good plan. “ Adams said.

Looking at the success rate of the Bubble in recent times, one main thing is certain and that is once those inside follow guidelines, then the process remains basically normal minus the mass interactions and inclusiveness of fans.

Adams further believed that once the blueprint for the mini project such as the ones which have been used internationally and regionally is followed here in Guyana, similar success can be reaped as the cricketers can slowly begin their re-integration process.

“The CPL and tour o f E n g l a n d w e re b o t h well-managed because things were in place to ensure that all players and personnel remained safe.

If we (Guyana) have to do that here, it’s important we follow suit and do the necessary things to ensure players and fans are in a safe environment”, said the spinner.

Due to the shroud of uncertainty which Covid-19 has cast, the future of Regional cricket this season is bleek and, as a result, the season is set to start no sooner that December, as opposed to this month’s usual start.

Speaking on the added woe of the season possibly being delayed or even called off altogether, Adams said he was worried but remained focused on the positives.

“For me, it’s frustrating, obviously it’s a situation no one expected. Not having cricket for such a long time and now even longer, is hard.

FOR me, I’m a believer in things happening for a reason; at the end of the day, whenever cricket restarts it’s on you as a player to be ready”.

He concluded by adding, “All of this is an opportunity for me to work on my game and other things. I’m doing some coaching right now, so when cricket returns, I’ll be ready for anything; but it’s frustrating not doing the things you like; but you have to work on your craft, use whatever little space you may have home and keep yourself fit until cricket starts again”. Adams ended.

PARIS (Reuters) - Czech left-hander Petra Kvitova reached the French Open quarter-finals for the first time in eight years as she overpowered China’s Zhang Shuai 6-2 6-4 on Monday.

On yet another chilly day in the French capital, seventh seed Kvitova’s superior firepower proved decisive as she posted her fourth successive straight-sets victory.

With so many big names already out, twice Wimbledon champion Kvitova will sense a golden title opportunity as she heads into a quarter-final against unseeded German Laura Siegemund.

“It was a great one today for sure,” said Kvitova, who returned to action at the 2017 French Open following a knife attack six months earlier that left her with career-threatening hand injuries.

“To be back on the same court that I made my comeback and to make the quarter-final is something I didn’t expect. I’m trying to play faster here and play aggressive off the returns,” she told Eurosport.

The 30-year-old, whose best finish here was reach-

ing the 2012 semi-finals, made her intentions clear from the start as she seized on anything short to dominate from the baseline, moving 4-0 ahead in 15 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Zhang, in the fourth round of a Slam for only the third time in 33 attempts having also not dropped a set so far, finally began to dig her heels in as Kvitova’s error-count increased but she was unable to turn the tide.

Kvitova had to wait around in the cold as Zhang took a medical timeout at the end of the first set, but she turned up the heat to get an early break in the second set.

She broke again to lead 5-2 but some wild errors allowed the Chinese to win two straight games and create some tension.

Kvitova regained her focus though to seal victory with a love service hold.

Wo r l d n u m b e r 6 6 Siegemund, the oldest player left in the draw at 32, beat Spain’s Paula Badosa 7-5 6-2 to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final.

Courtney Walsh with the West indiesWomen’s team in Australia

Walsh says his heart is in West Indies cricket …wants to see players smiling again COURTNEY Walsh yesterday shared his philosophy on cricket and coaching after the West Indies legend was last week named as the new Head Coach of the West Indies women’s Team. He sat down and spoke to members of the regional and international media via Zoom where he offered some words of wisdom as he prepares to chart the course for the team.

“I want to see them smiling again. The whole idea is to give them self-confidence and self-belief that they have a job to do and perform. Once the players believe in themselves and they are smiling and enjoying the game that’s the right path. You will have some bad

patches and failures here and there but that consistency and that will and pride to play for the West Indies is what I want to see more of,” he said.

“Whatever I can do to help West Indies cricket I’m prepared to do. My heart is in West Indies cricket, it has always been and will always be. Anything at all, that I can do to enhance and assist in West Indies I am always happy to do so. We have to look at getting more female players and getting them involved in the system. I am here to support and enhance what we have going here at Cricket West Indies. I’m really excited about this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started and get out there and get

the job done.”

West Indies women won their first global event when they beat Australia in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2016. Walsh was a member of the selection panel for that team. They have their eyes set on several global tournaments in the coming years and Walsh will lead the preparation and development at least up until the end of 2022 – including competing in the next International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Cricket World Cup (50 overs) and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. He previously worked on a short-term contract with the West Indies Women’s team, including at the ICC Women’s Cricket World

Cup 2020 held in Australia earlier this year.

The former Jamaica and West Indies captain had an illustrious career which spanned almost 20 years. He remains the leading wicket-taker in West Indies Test history with 519 wickets in 132 Test matches. He took 227 wickets in OneDay Internationals, and also took 1807 wickets in 429 first-class matches. The 57-year-old is a member of the ICC Hall of Fame.

“There is room for improvement in all aspects of the game. My idea and plan and strategy TURN TO are to re-focus, re-energize PAGE 20 and to look at the talented players we have and work

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020